Advocacy groups back bill requiring warning labels on unhealthy food

Civil society groups and health advocates are pushing for the passage of a bill that would require front-of-pack warning labels on packaged food products in the Philippines, arguing the measure could help curb the country’s rising obesity and noncommunicable disease (NCD) crisis.

The proposal, Healthy Food Marketing and Labelling Act of 2026 (House Bill 8284), would mandate black octagonal warning labels on the front of packaged foods and beverages that exceed government-set limits for sugar, sodium, and saturated fat.

The measure was sponsored by Jett Nisay, representative of Pusong Pinoy Partylist, and was filed Wednesday in time for World Obesity Day.

Health advocacy network Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA), convened by HealthJustice Philippines, expressed support for the bill, saying it would empower consumers to make healthier food choices and reduce exposure to aggressive marketing of unhealthy products.

Under the proposed legislation, products bearing warning labels would be banned from all forms of marketing, particularly advertisements targeting children.

“Bilang isang masugid na health advocate na nababahala sa patuloy na paglobo ng mga may kaso ng noncommunicable diseases, isang paraan ito upang maging mas malinaw ang impormasyon para sa ating mga kababayan, mas magkaroon ng responsableng marketing ng mga produkto, at mas mabigyan ng kakayahan ang bawat Pamilyang Pilipino na pumili ng mas masustansya at ligtas na pagkain,” Nisay said.

[As a health advocate who is worried about the rising cases of noncommunicable diseases, this is one way for information to become clearer for everyone, for a more responsible product marketing, and to give each Filipino family the capacity to choose safe and healthy food.] 

Former health secretary Jaime Galvez Tan, who serves as lead convenor of HPA, said the policy would help families better understand the health risks associated with certain food products.

“Families need to know when their food can potentially harm their own and their children’s health. We aim to help them be wiser so they can find healthier solutions, improve their diet, and prevent NCDs like obesity, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes,” Galvez Tan said.

He also urged lawmakers to support stronger food policies to address the country’s growing burden of diet-related illnesses.

“We urge more legislators to be champions for the health of every Filipino, especially the youth. Implement strong food policies first, like food warning labels, so that behavior change for health follows,” he added.

The group Diabetes Philippines, a member of the alliance, also called for the immediate passage of the bill.

Registered nutritionist-dietitian Jennina Duatin, a board of trustee of the organization, said many consumers struggle to interpret complex nutrition labels currently found on packaging.

“Filipinos of all ages should not face difficulties when they try to understand complex nutrition labels that should help them select better options. Grocery shoppers need to make their purchasing decisions within a few seconds according to common shopping behavior. With simple information placed on the front of the package, consumers can quickly decide if the product is a healthy choice and if it is truly worth spending their money on,” Duatin said.

She added that mandatory warning labels would also help individuals living with chronic illnesses manage their diet more effectively.

“For many patients, managing their condition means being careful about how much sugar, sodium, and fats they consume every day. Food warning labels provide a clear visual reference which helps them identify and avoid foods that could worsen their condition,” she said.

Health advocates noted that addressing unhealthy diets is critical as noncommunicable diseases account for nearly 70% of deaths in the Philippines.

Data from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute through the 2023 National Nutrition Survey showed that 57.1% of Filipino adults aged 20 to 59 are either overweight or obese, increasing their risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

The Healthy Philippines Alliance said prioritizing preventive health measures, including food labeling policies, could significantly reduce the burden of NCDs, which cost the Philippine economy more than P680 billion annually in lost productivity and workforce participation.

Advocates said the proposed legislation represents a critical step toward improving public health by helping consumers quickly identify products that may contribute to obesity and other chronic diseases. — LA, GMA Integrated News